The numbers are in from Global Youth Service Day! We had 1375 volunteers serving 1408 hours with 12 agencies on 35 projects. Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) celebrates and mobilizes the millions of young people who improve their communities each day of the year through service. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day is the largest service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth.

GYSD is celebrated each year in more than 135 countries, with young people working together--and with schools, youth organizations, nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations, national service programs, government agencies, and adult mentors-- to address the world’s most critical issues and change their communities.

As part of GYSD this year, we had schools and organizations across the Kansas City area make craft kits for the patients at Children's Mercy Hospital. These kits include all the supplies that a child will need to put together a craft, which is a great way to pass the time and relax during a hospital stay. Our volunteers were able to make 1174 craft kits, 212 bookmarks, and 260 cards for these patients. It's so exciting to see the difference youth have made in Kansas City this year!

Here is what some of the volunteers had to say about the experience:

"I loved helping out with this project. It is truly rewarding to know that these crafts will put a smile on the children's faces." -Annie

"It really makes me happy to make these for the kids at Children's Mercy because I know that it makes them happy!" -John

"It felt great to give kids something creative and fun to do!" -Kaitlyn

"One of the most powerful things in life is watching kids help kids. I was glad to be a part of this project." -Alex